Companies look for ways to meet needs

May 23, 2011

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News-Leader

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The Springfield business community is stepping up to help tornado victims in Joplin. At least nine local banks will accept donations at every branch.They include Guaranty Bank, Bancorp South, Empire Bank, Great Southern, Metropolitan Bank, US Bank, Oakstar Bank, Liberty Bank and Springfield First Community.Two of the banks, Empire Bank and Great Southern, each agreed to match up to $5,000 in total donations received.

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A lengthy list of Springfield area businesses have already pledged help to Joplin families devastated by the tornado.

Banks, grocery stores and companies -- both big and small -- have offered to collect donations from employees and customers. Some have also committed money, supplies and skills.

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce decided early Monday to adopt the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and serve as an "information hub" for businesses that want to contribute in any way.

"We're trying to figure out what their needs are," said Claire Faucett, spokeswoman for the Springfield chamber. "We're here to collect information, do whatever we can."

Faucett said because it's too early to know the extent of the tornado devastation, the Springfield area business community is focused on ways to meet the tornado victims' immediate needs.

Some are working with counterparts in Joplin, answering a call for help from the State Emergency Management Agency or coordinating with large relief organizations such as the American Red Cross or Convoy of Hope.

Others simply contacted the emergency management operations in Jasper County and plan to deliver donations this week.

At least nine local banks will accept donations, at every branch. They include Guaranty Bank, Bancorp South, Empire Bank, Great Southern, Metropolitan Bank, US Bank, Oakstar Bank, Liberty Bank and Springfield First Community.

Two of the banks, Empire Bank and Great Southern, each agreed to match up to $5,000 in total donations received.

In Springfield, four Steelman Transportation employees were dispatched to pick up heavy equipment from St. Louis, Kansas City and Oklahoma City.

Brett Sheets, a co-owner of the local company, said there were also "three or four other drivers on standby."

On the Missouri Department of Transportation emergency response list, the company is picking up industrial generators, industrial light towers -- often used to illuminate large construction projects -- and backhoes in those cities. The equipment will be transported to Joplin.

"Somebody needs to help, and we believe in giving back to our Missouri communities," Sheets said. "Joplin is our neighbor."

The Springfield Paper Company and the Edward Jones branch office in Republic are accepting donations. Meeks Lumber is transferring key supplies -- such as water, nails and chain saws -- to Joplin.

Restaurants and fast food companies are also getting involved and inspiring each other. Jeff Williams, owner of the Sonic on Commercial Street, was initially contacted by Bowerman Elementary about raising funds for Joplin.

Williams called the corporation that owns the other eight Sonics in Springfield. Together, the drive-ins will donate 10 percent of sales from 4-9 p.m. today to storm victims.

"We all feel the same way -- that's what you should do," he said. "If you're lucky enough to be successful and you're lucky enough to have a job you love, you should give back."

This week, the Johnny Morris family and Bass Pro Shops are working with NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray -- a Joplin native -- to load a trailer with relief effort supplies, including canned goods.

Customers can drop off donations to help fill a second trailer, which will be located in the parking lot, through Monday.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic events in Joplin, and our hearts go out to those families affected by this event," said Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. "Jamie McMurray, the Morris family and the extended Bass Pro Shops family want to do everything we can to help during this time."